Master's NCSU ChE or UW MSE

[reposenotes]

Hi all,

I'm trying to choose  between two different programs, making them hard to compare. I was accepted into NCSU's MS in chemical engineering with thesis, and UW's (Seattle) MS in materials science and engineering, without thesis. I'm looking to enter the energy industry, so even though the program at NCSU might be stronger, UW offers more opportunities in energy, through courses, facilities, and clubs.  However, there is no doubt I can get into the energy industry without focusing on it in school.

So far, in every way I've tried to compare the two schools, they are fairly even. If anyone could point to any factors I may have missed I'd like to hear about them, or if I didn't evenly weigh the benefits of one school. Also, I understand that the differences between MSE and ChE is an exhausted debate, but if there are any thoughts on how one might lend itself better to the renewable energy/clean water industries, I'd be happy to hear them too. 

 

Here are the factors I've taken into consideration:

Program: UW has one year outline for 36 credits, including research (despite no thesis). In addition, there is a final project where you present and have a written report, very similar to a thesis without the formality of evaluation by a thesis committee. The final project can be an internship at a company. Not sure about NCSU's timeline, but most likely 2 years. Have the opportunity for co-ops. Graduating sooner is appealing to get the job, but I probably won't ever go back to school, so spending more time there isn't a downside. Plus, that means more time to do research.

Faculty: UW's MSE faculty are much more well published and some hold quite a few patents

Research: There are several faculty members whose research I am interested in at both schools

Degree: ??? (they'll get me to the same place, right?)

Classes offered: UW seems to have more class options, including one that is just hands-on clean energy projects. In both programs I can take classes in other related fields.

Location: both growing cities so industry experience will be found in both. Seattle has more food. Research triangle vs Seattle. Applied to UW because I wanted to experience the west coast (I'm from NYC). Raleigh's downtown is much closer to campus.

Ranking: This isn't that meaningful, but NCSU ranks more highly 

Funding: NCSU $188 vs UW $150 million, not a big difference

Tuition: NCSU $26k or $28k vs UW $31k, also not a big difference. No funding for either

Enrollment: NCSU 36 master's ChE students vs UW 66 master's MSE students

Class sizes: About the same

Campus life and recreation: About the same

Diversity: UW is significantly more diverse, NCSU is 72% Caucasian students. Somewhat important to me since I'm not white, but not a dealbreaker

Physical campus: NCSU has a separate engineering campus, with the legendary Hunt library. UW has a more connected campus, for better or worse as a graduate student

Facilities: UW has the Clean Energy Institute. 

Cost of living: Raleigh is much cheaper to live in than Seattle. I could be in a luxury condo for less than a regular apartment in Seattle. However, will only have to stay one year if in Seattle.